23. Martin Olsson

The Hammers have long been linked with a move for Olsson as Allardyce knows him well from his time in charge at Ewood Park.

The 24-year-old has never hidden his desire to move back to the Premier League following Rovers' relegation and the east Londoners believe a deal can be done.

A figure of around £7million has been reported in the media but Allardyce dismissed that number and said: "I don't think that's true, no. Negotiations are ongoing."

Allardyce also said he does not believe the illness of the club's co-chairman David Gold will affect business in the January transfer window.

Gold, 76, is in hospital recovering from pneumonia after being taken ill following the FA Cup third-round clash with Manchester United.

Allardyce said he had yet to speak to Gold, who also needed hospital treatment for cholangitis and septicaemia in March 2011, but wished him well and moved to assure supporters the club's recruitment drive will not falter in his absence.

"Myself and all the players will be wishing him well today. I only found out yesterday that he was poorly," Allardyce said. "We will get a message to him in the very near future and wish him a speedy recovery.

"I think that there's always a communication line to him if David needs to (be contacted). In terms of what we're doing at the moment, we're as active as everybody else.

"If there's a player there that we think can improve the squad we'll try to move on him."